Salt and ice melt product dispenser system

ABSTRACT

A granular product dispenser is provided for residential or commercial use to spread salt/ice melt on walkways, drive-ways, and paths during the winter. Operation of the dispenser will be controlled through the use of an interactive website that will allow a user to turn the device ON/OFF wirelessly. Unlike current handheld dispensers, this device is intended to be placed on a porch or mounted along a path/driveway and controlled without manual operation. The dispenser includes an enclosed hopper to store melt product, a series of motors to control the flow and distribution of this product, and all electronics necessary to control the dispenser system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 62/512,981 filed on May 31, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to devices for automated dispensing of salt/ice melt product, for example, to treat walkways and roads in advance of storms involving frozen precipitation.

BACKGROUND

Before the start of a storm that will produce frozen precipitation, it is imperative that paved surfaces such as walkways and roads be treated with salt/ice melt product in order to mitigate the effects of the frozen precipitation. When properly treated, walkways will remain free from ice and/or snow buildup throughout a mild winter storm, or long enough to allow for individuals to safely walk and prepare for larger accumulations.

Current dispensers are manually operated from either a handheld or a wheel-barrow/cart type device that requires a user to be ready and in position at a particular location just before the start of a storm with frozen precipitation. For example, walkways and roads cannot be treated with salt/ice melt product too far in advance of the start of frozen precipitation, otherwise the product may be dispersed by wind or dissolved by liquid precipitation. Likewise, treating roads and walkways after the start of frozen precipitation decreases the effectiveness of salt/ice melt product in preventing buildup of ice and/or snow. Current dispensers also require users to have adequate mobility and ability to use such devices. These present major problems, as most individuals cannot remain at a single location, such as a residence or business, every time a potential frozen precipitation storm approaches, and those that are at a particular location may be unable or unwilling to manually spread product along their walkways or roads.

SUMMARY

To help alleviate these issues, the devices and methods described herein have been devised. The devices described herein can allow users to remotely control a dispenser at a first location, e.g., outside at a walkway or road, from a second location, from inside a building, or from a separate internet accessible location. The devices can use Wi-Fi technology to connect to a home or business network so that the user can control the device through a customized website interface from any device/location that has internet access.

Disclosed herein is an automated dispenser for the purpose of distributing granular products outdoors. The dispenser can incorporate technologies such as Wi-Fi network capabilities to communicate between a website, such as a customized website, and a microcontroller inside the dispenser unit.

A user can interface with the dispensing unit via a web browser, mobile application, or similar interface, communicating via standard protocols to the microcontroller. The microcontroller can have onboard processing of this information, power filtering systems, and digital output channels able to control electro-mechanical devices. These devices can include motors with custom-designed plastic flanges (for dispensing/flow), gears to control the torque of the motors, a vibration motor, and a servo mechanism or linear solenoid/actuator for controlling the flow of material on to the dispensing motor. These components can operate in unison to properly distribute product in the radius around the dispensing unit.

The device can include a main body housing that securely holds a granular product (such as salt/ice melt), is configured to be firmly mounted to either soil or concrete, and is configured to shield/insulate all interior components of the device, for example, from liquid precipitation, frozen precipitation, wind, and temperature changes.

The lid of the dispenser body can provide insulation to the inside of the unit, while allowing external decorations such as plants, lights, or similar aesthetics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a fully assembled view showing the entire dispenser system.

FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of a dispenser system.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a dispenser system with the front panel removed.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a dispenser system with the side panel removed.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a vibration motor variant assembly with all panels removed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a dispensing wheel.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a feed control wheel.

FIG. 8 is an operational side perspective of material flow.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the dispensing area.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of the motor control circuitry.

FIG. 11 is a circuit board design layout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the fully assembled dispenser unit (15) can include a base (8), an upper front panel (10), a lower front panel (11), a rear panel (1), and two or more side panels (2) (e.g. a right side panel and a left side panel). The upper front panel (10) and the lower front panel (11) can define a dispenser opening (16) through which salt/ice melt is ejected from the dispenser. The upper front panel (10) and the upper portions of the side panels (2) and rear panel (1) can define a space or hopper for salt/ice melt.

FIG. 2 is a comprehensive exploded view of the dispenser. As shown in FIG. 2, the dispenser (15) can comprise three main levels—a base (8), a middle layer (7), and an upper platform (6).

Referring to FIG. 2, from bottom to top, a base (8) can comprise a platform (8 a) with raised sections (8 b) to support separate layers above. A lower motor holder (9) rests upon this base (8) in alignment with a dispensing wheel spindle hole (17) of the middle layer (7) above it. The middle layer (7) sits upon the front raised supports (8 c) of the base (8), providing a raised platform for the dispensing wheel (shown in FIG. 6) to rest on, correctly spaced above its motor shaft. On the rear of this middle layer (7) sits the middle layer motor holder (12), aligned with a feed control wheel spindle hole (17) within the upper platform (6).

The upper platform (6) rests upon the rear raised platforms (8 b) of the base (8), providing a raised platform for the feed control wheel (shown in FIG. 7) to rest on, correctly spacing its motor shaft. It can also hold the upper vertical support (5) firmly upon its surface. The upper vertical support (5) can allow the feed control slide (13) to properly align with the feed control hole of the upper platform (6), while the servo holder (4) rests upon the upper vertical support (5) and allows a servo motor (not shown) to control the feed control slide (13). When activated, the feed control slide moves in a controlled, slow manner to the full open position. When deactivated, the slide moves rapidly to the full closed state.

The dispenser can include structures to house the electronics and motors and protect them from environmental conditions. The dispenser can include a vertical support cap (3) that rests on top of the vertical support (5), protecting the servo motor/slide configuration and allowing for a sealed enclosed upper platform. The upper front panel (10) can be positioned flush with the upper vertical support (5) base and the upper vertical support cap (3), shielding the electronics from the environment. The lower front panel (11) cane be positioned flush with the base (8), providing shielding for the lower motor and electronics. The side panels (2) and the rear panel (1) can be placed flush against the outsides of all layers, creating a completely enclosed lower/middle layer and upper layer areas.

FIGS. 3-4 provide additional relational perspectives of the device. FIG. 3 is a front view of the device, with the upper front panel (10) and lower front panel (11) removed to show the arrangement of the other components described above. Similarly, FIG. 4 is a side view with a side panel (2) removed (e.g., left side panel to show the arrangement of the other components described above. As shown in these figures, motors can be placed in both the lower motor holder (9) and the middle layer motor holder (12).

A dispensing wheel (FIG. 6) can be placed flush with the middle layer (7) with its spindle through the spindle hole and connected to the lower motor. The dispensing wheel is configured to eject salt/ice melt from the device onto the target surface. As shown in FIG. 6, the dispensing wheel comprises alternating tall and short rectangular protrusions. The particular configuration of the dispensing wheel is not limited that shown in FIG. 6, and alternate configurations can be used so long as the dispensing wheel is capable of ejecting salt/ice melt from the device onto the target surface.

A feed control wheel (FIG. 7) can be placed flush with the upper layer (6) with its spindle through the spindle hole and connected to the middle layer motor. The feed control wheel is configured to move salt/ice melt from the space or hopper defined by the upper front panel (10) and the upper portions of the side panels (2) and rear panel (1), through an opening and onto the dispensing wheel for ejection from the device onto a walkway and/or road surface. The feed control wheel is configured to move salt/ice melt in a controlled manner so as not to overload the dispensing wheel. As shown in FIG. 7, the feed control wheel comprises U-shaped protrusions. The particular configuration of the feed control wheel is not limited that shown in FIG. 7, and alternate configurations can be used so long as the feed control wheel is capable of moving salt/ice melt in a controlled manner so as not to overload the dispensing wheel.

A servo motor can be placed on the servo holder (4) and attached to the feed control slide (13).

FIG. 5 provides a variant configuration, with the side panels (2) removed, where instead of the middle layer motor holder (12), there is a middle layer vibration motor holder (14). This allows for a vibration motor to be used in place of a feed control wheel/motor combination.

In either configuration (FIGS. 1-4 or FIG. 5 variant), a lid (not shown) can be placed flush upon the top of the upper front panel, side panels, and rear panel to help protect the interior of the device.

An electronics circuit board/controller unit shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and batteries can be placed on the base (8), enclosed by the lower front panel, side panels, and rear panel. The circuit board will be a WiFi enabled microcontroller, such as an ESP8266, that has a minimum of 3 digital input/output pins. WiFi will allow the user to communicate with and control the system over the internet while the digital pins will directly control the motors.

Further variations to the dispenser unit can include the following:

-   -   The lower motor and the middle layer motor can be reduced to a         single motor through the use of a gear box. A single motor can         be placed upon the base and connected to a gear box aligned to         both spindle holes through appropriately sized gears. The single         motor will then provide the necessary energy and correct torque         to spin the feed control and dispensing wheels.     -   The slope of the upper layer can be modified to better         accommodate granular material and control the feed rate.     -   The servo motor used to control the feed control slide (13) can         be replaced with a linear solenoid or actuator.     -   Gravity can be used to control the flow of material, eliminating         the feed control wheel or vibration motor.     -   The size and shape of the wheels can be altered to better         control the spread and direction of material.     -   The method of communication can also be altered to include         Bluetooth, cellular, or similar wireless technology available         within different areas to enable additional users access to the         device.     -   The custom website interface can be modified to further automate         the activity of the dispenser, including linkage to weather         forecasts, user selected dispense times, and other control         enhancements.

The dispenser and its components can be formed from any material or combination of materials suitable for winter conditions. Exemplary materials include plastics, such as ABS plastic, and metals, such as aluminum and steel. Depending on environmental conditions, e.g., low temperatures, the dispenser can also include insulating materials, such as Styrofoam, foil, polymer/blanket insulation material, and combinations thereof, and/or an electric heater, such as advanced heater circuitry using nichrome wire.

The dispenser can be used with any type of granular salt/ice melt product. Exemplary granular salt/ice melt products include halite, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), and any other granular product used to treat paved surfaces to prevent or lessen the accumulation of frozen precipitation.

The component sections of the dispenser unit can be fastened using any suitable techniques and materials. For example, the components can be joined mechanically (machine screws, bolts, nuts, etc.), adhesives (caulk, glue, plastic adhesives), and combinations thereof. The component parts can be formed individually or integrally in various combinations.

The dimensions of the dispenser unit are not particularly limited. For example, the dispenser unit can be 8 inches wide by 8 inches long by 12.5 inches high (8″×8″×12.5″). This provides an enclosed upper area approximately 8 inches wide by 5 inches long by 7.5 inches high (8″×5″×7.5″), creating an interior volume of 300 cubic inches for storage of salt/ice melt.

Example

In order to operate the dispenser, a user first provides a power source by installing batteries into receptacles (not depicted) on the base (8). Then, the user removes the lid and loads salt/ice melt material into the upper layer area, replacing the lid after this area is completely filled. The dispenser is placed upon a generally level surface with the front directed towards the target “salt spread area”. When the device is turned on, connected to the internet, and the operate command is sent, the dispensing wheel (FIG. 6) begins to operate and achieves maximum running speed. The feed control slide (13) then moves away horizontally from the feed control hole, allowing for salt/ice melt material to flow from the upper layer area onto the spinning dispensing wheel (FIG. 6). The feed control wheel (FIG. 7), or alternatively an affixed vibration motor, provides agitation to the stored salt/ice melt material, allowing it to controllably flow from the upper layer area, through the feed control hole, on to the spinning dispensing wheel (FIG. 6). The general flow of material is described in FIG. 8.

The spinning motion of the dispensing wheel, (FIG. 6) combined with the raised flanges on top of the wheel, forces material that falls upon it to be directed outwards from the dispenser through the dispensing opening in an arc, as depicted in FIG. 9. The spread distances “X” and “Y” will vary based upon surface type and elevation of target “salt spread area”. Approximate spread distances can be found in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Approximate Spread Distances by Surface Type and Elevation Target Area Surface Type and Elevation (slope measured away from front of dispenser) Pavement Gravel Dimension Slope Flat Slope Slope Flat Slope (ft.) Up Surface Down Up Surface Down X 6 8 9 4 6 7 Y 3 4 4 3 4 4 While the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art from a reading of this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the disclosure and appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser unit comprising: a housing unit comprising a base, an upper front panel, a lower front panel, a rear panel, two or more side panels, and a top panel, said upper front panel and lower front panel defining a dispenser opening, and an interior unit comprising a lower section, a middle section, and an upper section; wherein the lower section comprises a plurality of lower vertical supports connected to the base of the housing unit, and a lower motor positioned in a first motor holder, the middle section comprises a middle platform disposed on the vertical supports, a dispensing wheel facing the dispenser opening and positioned in a dispensing wheel spindle hole in the middle platform aligned above the lower motor holder and connected to the lower motor by a first shaft, and a middle motor positioned in a second motor holder, the upper section comprises an upper platform disposed on the vertical supports above the middle section, a feed control wheel in a feed control wheel spindle hole in the upper platform aligned above the middle section motor holder and connected to the middle motor by a second shaft, an upper vertical support, and a movable feed control slide positioned in the upper vertical support for opening and closing a feed control hole in the upper platform, and further wherein portions of each of the upper platform, the upper vertical support, the rear panel, and at least one side panel define a space for storing salt/ice melt.
 2. A dispenser unit comprising: a housing unit comprising a base, an upper front panel, a lower front panel, a rear panel, two or more side panels, and a top panel, said upper front panel and lower front panel defining a dispenser opening, and an interior unit comprising a lower section, a middle section, and an upper section; wherein the lower section comprises a plurality of lower vertical supports connected to the base of the housing unit, and a lower motor positioned in a first motor holder, the middle section comprises a middle platform disposed on the vertical supports, a dispensing wheel facing the dispenser opening and positioned in a dispensing wheel spindle hole in the middle platform aligned above the lower motor holder and connected to the lower motor by a first shaft, and a vibration motor positioned in a vibration motor holder, the upper section comprises an upper platform disposed on the vertical supports above the middle section, an upper vertical support, and a movable feed control slide positioned in the upper vertical support for opening and closing a feed control hole in the upper platform, and further wherein portions of each of the upper platform, the upper vertical support, the rear panel, and at least one side panel define a space for storing salt/ice melt.
 3. A dispenser unit comprising: a housing unit comprising a base, an upper front panel, a lower front panel, a rear panel, two or more side panels, and a top panel, said upper front panel and lower front panel defining a dispenser opening, and an interior unit comprising a lower section, a middle section, and an upper section; wherein the lower section comprises a plurality of lower vertical supports connected to the base of the housing unit, a motor positioned in a motor holder and connected to a gear box, the middle section comprises a middle platform disposed on the vertical supports, and a dispensing wheel facing the dispenser opening and positioned in a dispensing wheel spindle hole in the middle platform aligned above and connected to the gear box, the upper section comprises an upper platform disposed on the vertical supports above the middle section, a feed control wheel in a feed control wheel spindle hole in the upper platform aligned above and connected to the gear box, an upper vertical support, and a movable feed control slide positioned in the upper vertical support for opening and closing a feed control hole in the upper platform, and further wherein portions of each of the upper platform, the upper vertical support, the rear panel, and at least one side panel define a space for storing salt/ice melt.
 4. The dispenser unit of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the upper section further comprises a motor connected to the feed control slide.
 5. The dispenser unit of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the upper section further comprises a linear solenoid connected to the feed control slide.
 6. The dispenser unit of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the upper section further comprises a vertical support cap positioned on top of the vertical support.
 7. The dispenser unit of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the interior unit further comprises a microcontroller connected to the motors.
 8. The dispenser unit of claim 6, wherein the microcontroller is a WiFi-enabled microcontroller.
 9. The dispenser unit of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the motors are servo motors.
 10. The dispenser unit of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising insulation material.
 11. A method for dispensing salt or ice melt, said method comprising: providing the dispenser unit of any one of claims 1-9, filling the dispenser unit with salt and/or ice melt, and operating the dispenser unit to dispense the salt and/or ice melt.
 12. The method of claim 10, where operating the dispenser unit comprises activating the unit by a wireless device.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the wireless device is selected from a cellular device, a Bluetooth device, and an internet-enabled device. 